The Blood Brain Barrier
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a membrane which prevents toxic materials in the blood from entering the brain, though certain compounds (both good and bad) are able to get through this barrier.
In this final newsletter on the subject of molds and fungi, I will examine those things that can cross the BBB and bring antifungal agents directly into the brain. There, these agents work to kill those fungus and bad microbes which can lead to brain malfunction and Alzheimer’s disease.
I have extensively covered coconut and MCT oils in the newsletters on “The Real Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease”, so here I will examine other agents with similar properties (antifungal and able to cross the blood-brain barrier).
Antifungal Agents That Cross the BBB
Black Seed
In one study, black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) was tested for anti-yeast activity, to determine if it could be used as a preservative against yeast species which spoil dairy products.
The antifungal effects of certain black seed constituents were compared with those of preservatives commonly used in milk products (calcium propionate, natamycin, and potassium sorbate), and were shown to possess comparable anti-yeast activity. (Study) But, black seed has proven to do more than just kill yeast.
Another study gave black seed or clove oil to rats fed an aflatoxin-contaminated diet, which “resulted in significant protection against aflatoxicosis. Moreover, Nigella sativa oil (black seed) was found to be more effective than Syzygium aromaticum (clove) oil in restoring the parameters that were altered by aflatoxin in rats”. (Study)
Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of black seed has also exhibited anticancer effects in numerous clinical studies. It has been shown to “interfere in a wide range of tumorigenic processes, and counteract carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis.”
But here is where research touches on the specific properties we are seeking: “Its potential to enter the brain via nasal pathway due to the volatile nature of TQ adds another advantage in overcoming blood-brain barrier.”
Thus the researchers “suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical level to delineate its implied utility as novel therapeutics to combat the challenges for the treatment of Glioblastoma multiforme” (one of the deadliest types of brain tumors). (Study)
Now, to be fair, the study refers to entering the brain “via nasal pathways”, so if we had to ensure delivery across the BBB (such as in the case of severe fungal infection or brain tumor) we would want to put the oil in a nebulizer. However, oil does not work well in nebulizers (and may even be dangerous), so one would be best served by using a tincture such that the compounds are now water soluble. (I would suggest more research on the subject before trying this approach.)
Turmeric
Turmeric, and extracts of turmeric, are notoriously difficult to absorb and utilize in the body. Traditionally (in India), turmeric is boiled in whole milk for about 10 minutes. They do this because many of the active elements of turmeric are fat soluble, and thus, if it is not rendered (cooked) into a fat medium (whole milk in this case, or coconut oil as another option), we derive less benefits from this amazing herb.
Turmeric extract products initially utilized black pepper extracts in order to improve absorption of the concentrated curcumin present in the plant. However, these days, the technologies have moved beyond black pepper, and some turmeric extracts are even water soluble now. (Keep that in mind if looking for a turmeric product to put into a nebulizer.)
But, even if we can now easily digest the turmeric (as an extract, or rendered into a fat medium), once metabolized in the liver free curcumin becomes “conjugated”. This prevents it from being absorbed effectively into the tissues, or from crossing the BBB. If, however, curcumin can remain in its free form, it is both biologically active, and able to move throughout the body, being easily absorbed from the blood, and, free curcumin is also able to cross the blood brain barrier. (Study)
Countless clinical studies have confirmed the ability of curcumin, and turmeric extracts, to destroy a wide variety of different bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In fact, much of this research has been done by the food industry, in order to study the effects of turmeric and curcumin on controlling fungal-related spoilage and fungal pathogens.
A study of curcumin against 14 strains of candida showed it to be a potent fungicide compound against many candida species. In a different study, anti-candida activity of curcumin was demonstrated against 38 different strains of candida, including some fluconazole-resistant strains. (Candida initially is defined as a yeast, but when it grows out of control, it converts into being a fungus, and is at that point pathogenic.) (Study)
Recent research on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and curcumin has revealed that curcumin prevents amyloid plaque aggregation, if it can reach the brain and protect neurons from damage.
According to a study (2018) titled, Liposome delivery systems for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, “targeted nanoliposomes represent a viable and promising drug delivery system for AD that have not yet reached clinical trials. They are biocompatible, highly flexible, and have the potential to carry many different types of therapeutic molecules across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and into brain cells”. (Study)
Thus, a liposomal form of curcumin would be of great advantage in getting this antifungal agent into the brain where it can do its work directly. And, as mentioned earlier, we need to keep “free” curcumin circulating in the bloodstream in order to have it eventually migrate across the blood brain barrier. Patented curcumin products have used different technologies to accomplish this.
“Meriva” sells a curcumin-phospholipid complex in which it uses lecithin to increase absorption by creating a more water-soluble molecule. This is a “poor man’s” version of a liposomal curcumin, cheaper to produce but also less expensive to buy.
Micellar Curcumin (e.g. “Novasol”) takes the approach of surrounding the curcumin with micelles (soap-like structures) to greatly increase solubility. Other good options are “BCM-95”, which blends curcumin with turmeric's natural oils to enhance absorption and retention, and “Theracurmin” which creates nanoparticles of curcumin.
Another important aspect of maintaining free curcumin is to increase intake frequency. Because curcumin has a short half-life, it is cleared from the body relatively quickly. So, rather than taking one large dose, breaking the daily dosage into smaller doses (e.g. 500mg twice daily) throughout the day may help maintain higher, steadier levels in the blood.
Black pepper extract (e.g. “Piperine”) has proven to increase free curcumin in the blood when added to commercial extracts, but even using fresh ground black pepper in a home made version of turmeric cooked in a fat medium will greatly increase absorption, and free curcumin levels. Such a home made formula is commonly known as Golden Paste, and is an economic way to access many of the antifungal benefits of turmeric.
Zeolite
Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral rock, often powdered and consumed in water for detoxification purposes. This approach is medically approved, based on the physical properties of zeolite, which has cavities in its natural crystal lattice structure that act like a filter, binding pollutants (such as aluminium, ammonium, cadmium, lead, and mercury)
For an optimal effect, the surface of the zeolite is enlarged by micronization, thus the effect of zeolite depends, among other things, on the size of the granules. The finer the powder, the lower the dose, and the coarser the zeolite, the higher the dosage required. So, given that, could nano-sized particles of zeolite absorb even more harmful compounds, and perhaps even make it across the blood brain barrier?
That is the argument put forth by Coseva, who markets Advanced TRS (Toxin Removal System) spray. This is what they say about their product: “TRS removes any toxin with a positive charge and that includes heavy metals and toxic elements – aluminium, mercury, arsenic, fluoride, barium, strontium, uranium, lead, etc, pesticides and herbicides, plastic residues, toxins from moulds and yeasts, carcinogens from smoke and haze and also any radioactive material in the body.
“With the nano zeolites encased in water, a good way to think about it would be hundreds of thousands of little toxin magnets encased in water molecule clusters going into your body. These toxin magnets are attracted to heavy metals, pesticides and any other toxin that has a positive charge. Their tiny size (0.9 nanometers) means that they have a huge amount of surface area to capture toxins and the encapsulation in water molecule clusters means that they can go wherever water goes and cross the blood brain barrier easily and detox the body at a cellular level.
“Once toxins get stuck in the magnets they are captured within the zeolites cage-like structure and are rendered inert and have no chance of breaking loose. This is why TRS does not cause redistribution and damage to the body. TRS is transported out of the body mainly through the urine and other usual elimination pathways. As the nano zeolites are so tiny, the kidneys don’t have to filter them, that’s how gentle this method of detoxing is.”
TRS can be purchased at this site. Though it appears that there is little independent science on the use of nano-sized zeolite particles for the purposes of detoxifying the brain, there is a lot of anecdotal feedback (especially for treating autism).
A similar product (which, unlike TRS, is available through Amazon) is Advanced Cellular Zeolite. They claim that, “prescribed by leading medical practitioners worldwide, ACZ Nano Zeolite has been clinically proven to significantly increase urinary output of toxins, without removing vital nutrients as verified in multiple, independent clinical studies.”
Essential Oils
The fragrant essential oils used in aromatherapy are claimed to have direct access to the brain. The principle is that, since the brain is mostly made of fat, and essential oils are fat soluble, they can pass through the BBB. While many fat soluble nutrients never make it through the barrier, what makes essential oil fragrances effective at doing this is the extraordinarily small molecules which make up their volatile compounds.
This ability to cross the blood brain barrier is attributed to the chemistry of the oils, specifically, those that are classified as “terpenes”, a family of molecules small enough to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
All essential oils contain some terpenes. In part two of this series, I mention a variety of herbs and spices with antifungal activity. Those of this grouping would contain terpenes ideal for destroying molds and fungi in the brain, and are essentially ingested when we can smell them at a high intensity of fragrance. Thus they can be rubbed under the nose, put in an aromatherapy diffuser or, for most therapeutic benefit, nebulized or put into a bowl of hot water and inhaled (as we would do with eucalyptus to treat a head cold or lung congestion).
Of those substances mentioned in part two, these are the plants which are available in the form of essential oils: clove, frankincense, ginger, marjoram, myrrh, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
And, strange as it seems, an alcohol extract of pine, turpentine, is now (as it was in the past) being ingested by some as a treatment for candida, fungus, and SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). Since turpentine is high in terpenes, and has proven antifungal properties, it would also be a viable option for inhalation.
This website sells a variety of essential oil mixes, high in terpenes, and aimed at getting through the BBB.
While this is the end of this four part series on molds and fungi, I will do my next newsletter on the related subject of what causes the BBB to thin and become porous, and what we can do to rebuild and strengthen it.